William "Willie" Richards

WILLIAM “WILLIE” RICHARDS

HEADLAND… William “Willie” Richards, a resident of Headland, Alabama, passed away Friday, May 16, 2025, at his home. He was 41.

A memorial visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. Wednesday evening, at Wright Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel. Wright Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.

The family request, since Willie was such an animal lover that contributions be made to C.H.A.R.M. (City of Headland Animal Rescue) P.O. Box 216 Headland, Alabama 36345 or www.charmheadland.org ; S.H.A.R.K. , P.O. Box 126 Abbeville, Alabama 36310 or www.shark37.care ; or to the Wiregrass Humane Society, 255 Jerry Drive Dothan, Alabama 36303 or www.wiregrasshumanesociety.com .

Mr. Richards was born in Dothan, Alabama to Sammy Richards and the late Gayle Richards. He loved art and designing things, which came in handy working with Columbia Manor, designing props as well as being a character during Haunt Season. He was an avid horror movie fan.

Willie wasn’t the loudest in the room. He was quiet, kept to himself, and always seemed to be watching the world with a guarded kind of curiosity. But once you broke through that shell, you found one of the most unique, loyal, and funny people you’d ever meet. His sense of humor was dry as dust – the kind that crept up on you and left you laughing when you least expected it. He never needed to be the center of attention.

In the haunt world, Willie was something special. Under the makeup and the masks, he transformed – not just into his character, but into a force of creativity, intensity, and heart. The guests may have screamed, but those of us behind the scenes were in awe. He was loved and cherished by his family and was lucky to have an extended family in The Manor and fellow residents were his second home.

Losing him leaves a space no one else could ever fill. But his spirit lingers – in the fog, in the shadows, in the walls of every haunted house he ever walked through.

Preceding in him in death is his mother, Gayle Richards.

Leaving to cherish his memories are his father, Sammy Richards; his siblings, Pat Richards of Hagatna, Guam, Edward “PeeWee” Richards of Headland, Samantha Helms (Steven) of Blue Springs, Alabama, Mark Watson (Tracy) of Cowarts, Alabama, and Steve Watson (Jody) of Milledgeville, Georgia; his several nieces and nephews, and his friends from Columbia Manor.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to Todd Chandler and all of his Columbia Manor Family.

WRIGHT FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY

Phone 334-6WE-CARE (693-2273)

www.wrightfuneralhomeandcrematory.com

…Celebrating a life, one family at a time…

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